Profile

About: Smaran is a 4th year Business Honors (BHP), Finance major with minors in Business Development and Entrepreneurship. On campus, he is involved in Genesis (UT Austin's Startup Fund) and the Tejas Club. Originally from Plano, Smaran aims to share hope, knowledge, and charity throughout the ride. Hook 'em!!

Why I Ride

One of my best friends at UT is the type of person that always puts a smile on your face. It is impossible to be sad around him; whether it’s through humbly but decisively beating me at ping pong every other day or playing basketball with his neon pink shoes at Greg Gymnasium, it’s always a good time when he’s there. However, as I got closer to him, both as a friend and as my Philanthropy Co-Chair for the Tejas Club, I learned that he had to deal with tragedy at a young age.

My friend lost his mother to cancer as a young child and had to grow up quickly. Whether that was by being a parent figure for his younger brother or figuring out his path to medical school on his own, he had to learn how to be independent far earlier than any child should. No one would blame him if he turned out to be a little cold or unwelcoming - he was forced to be an adult at a time when his peers’ biggest worry in life was about extending their bedtime past 10pm. However, this is simply not the case with him. No matter his own personal struggles, he always takes the time to have a conversation with you and truly be present. He is open with his vulnerability and is always there, whether that means by giving a helping hand or simply an ear to listen. Through conversations with my friends in Tejas, I have learned that Texas 4000 is an intense experience that requires more from an individual that one can initially expect, but my friend is the type of person who will inspire me to not only endure, but to be strong for others. It is my privilege to count him as a friend and I hope to ride for him and his mother to support him in a small fraction of the way he has supported me.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. Thank you for believing in me, and most of all thank you for supporting me in the mission of Texas 4000.

I would be honored to ride for you, your family, or any person you may know who has been affected by cancer. Please don’t hesitate to contact me at smaran.velidi@utexas.edu or at (469) 271-8984.

To Alaska and Back,
Smaran